Tennis Let Rule: What Happens When the Ball Hits the Net on a Serve

What Is a Let in Tennis

A let in tennis occurs when a serve touches the net but still lands in the correct service box. When a let is called, the server replays that serve without penalty. There is no limit to the number of lets a server can have in a single point.

Types of Lets

Service Let

The most common let occurs when the ball clips the net cord and lands in the correct service box. The umpire or any player may call it. In professional tennis with electronic sensors, the net cord triggers an automatic let call with a distinct sound.

Distraction Let

If a ball from another court rolls onto your court during a point, or if there is a significant distraction, any player may call a let and the point is replayed. This also applies if a spectator interferes with play.

When Is It NOT a Let

If the serve hits the net and lands outside the correct service box, it is a fault (not a let). If the serve hits the net and then hits the receiver or their partner before bouncing, it is a let (the point is replayed). If the ball hits the net post, it is always a fault.

The No-Let Rule

Some recreational leagues and certain exhibition events use a no-let rule, where a serve that hits the net and lands in is played as a live ball. This speeds up play and is common in college doubles and World Team Tennis. However, all Grand Slam and ATP/WTA events use the traditional let rule.

Historical Changes

The let rule has remained largely unchanged since the sport codification in the 1870s. The main modern change is the introduction of electronic net-cord sensors in professional tennis, which eliminated disputes about whether the ball actually touched the net.

Strategic Implications

Some servers intentionally aim close to the net tape to reduce the receiver reaction time. A serve that clips the net and barely lands in can be extremely difficult to return, which is why some argue the let rule unfairly benefits the server. Others counter that net-cord serves are unpredictable and can just as easily go out.